Council Bluffs, IA vs Sioux City, IA

Council Bluffs, IA and Sioux City, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Council Bluffs scores 76 while Sioux City scores 73 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Council Bluffs is $980/month compared to $936/month in Sioux City — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sioux City is more affordable at $162,600 median vs $164,300.

Median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,092 compared to $65,473 in Sioux City (-2.1%). Sioux City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Council Bluffs spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Sioux City.